Rocky Peak Ridge from New Russia

Rocky Peak Ridge from New Russia is a 11.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near New Russia, New York that features a lake and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is best used from April until November.

I hiked this trail as an out-back from the New Russia Trailhead. I had completed Giant 2 weeks before from Roaring Brook Trailhead, with the intent on ascending RPR but was prevented due to time and weather. Therefore, I choose to ascend RPR along the ridgeline following Blueberry Cobble, Mason MT, and Bald Peak. As an autumn hike, this was by far the most amazing and beautiful trail I have climbed so far in my career. Although it is a ruthless uphill climb of 5000 ft ascent, it offers amazing views of St. Huberts Valley, Dix range to the south, and the Giant Wilderness and Hurricane Wilderness Areas to the North. At 2.2 miles from the trailhead you can take a 0.5 mile course around Blueberry Cobble before ascending 500 ft toward Bald Peak. Bald Peak is in itself an amazing hike with views comparable to any in the High Peaks at 3067 feet. after crossing Bald Peak ridgeline you descend into Dickerson notch before ascending a steep 1300 feet climb to Rocky Peak ridge and Marie Louise Pond at ~ 6.2 miles. This little pond is a gem tucked into a small col between Rocky Peak false summit and Rocky Peak-- very quiet, serene, with some areas to pitch a tent. An additional 400 feet of climb and 0.4 miles you finally reach Rocky Point, with fantastic views of Giant, the slides and a commanding panoramic view of St Huberts valley-- indescribably beautiful and breathtaking. Overall the hike is not for the faint of heart- 13.3 miles and over 10 hours of hiking make this a definite dawn to dusk experience. Bring plenty of water and food and be prepared for extra layers for the temperature drops at the summit. Leave early before dawn during the late fall and winter seasons to make sure you have plenty of daylight for the descent...its along way back to the trailhead. a definite A+ hike!